Bad Dogs, Bad Owners

Published: July 22, 1997

To the Editor:

Given the New York City Housing Authority's admirable decision ''to evict pit bulls and other vicious and menacing animals,'' it is difficult to understand why you advocate banning all dogs from public housing (editorial, July 20), with the exception of those belonging to the elderly and those prescribed by doctors ''for health reasons.'' Research has shown that pets are good for individuals of all ages; they help lower blood pressure and can teach people compassion.

In addition, outlawing specific breeds merely sends owners of vicious dogs from pit bulls to some other breed, with the result that lawmakers are always chasing their tails. As communities with breed-specific ordinances have discovered, they do not solve the problem of dangerous dogs. What is needed are strong, enforceable laws that get those animals off the street and penalize their owners with heavy fines or jail time.